5 Non-Food Items to Donate to Local Food Banks

While local food banks are there to serve those in the community battling hunger, some also help provide essential non-food items as well. When gathering items for your local food bank or during a food drive, considering donating these five non-food items as well.

Diapers/Wipes

Whether you’re a parent or not, everyone knows that diapers and wipes are expensive. Having diapers and wipes available at a local food bank for parents in need is a massive help in the health and wellness of babies and toddlers.

Feminine Hygiene Products

While not as expensive as diapers, pads and tampons aren’t exactly cheap either. These items are essential to those menstruating. According to Feeding America, one in five young girls have left early or missed school for lack of access to pads or tampons. Even worse, going without these period products can lead to a number of health issues, including HPV and even cervical cancer.

Shampoo/Body Wash & Toothbrushes/Toothpaste

That whole “Cleanliness is indeed next to godliness” phrase is no joke. As much as proper nutrition is essential to your overall wellness, so is proper hygiene.

Laundry Detergent

Another important aspect of overall wellness? Having clean clothes. Per Feeding America, not having clean clothes can lead to a variety or different situations, from children being bullied in school to adults missing out on employment opportunities.

““Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),”